Windsor, Ontario • The Gordie Howe International Bridge project team is excited to unveil a public art commission that will provide a welcoming and unique experience for future bridge users.
This commission features the work of artist Sara Graham and is integrated into the façade of the maintenance building at the Canadian Port of Entry. Titled “On the Other Side of Tomorrow,” the façade is composed of 22 stamped concrete panels, each approximately 3x7 metres/10x23 feet, reflecting the national and regional landscape through the incorporation of illustrative mapping techniques and a combination of different optical perspectives. Elements included in the artwork represent suburban, industrial and farmland in Canada as well as mountains, road systems, lighthouses and water.
The inclusion of public art at the Canadian Port of Entry is an outcome of input received during the Detroit River International Crossing study. Through this integrated artwork, the murals installed on the Canadian and US bridge tower forms and the art funded through the Community Benefits Plan, the project team aims to create memorable, high-quality, works of art consistent with the international importance of the bridge and to celebrate and promote creativity and friendship between Canada and the US.
To celebrate Ms. Graham’s commission and allow the community an opportunity to interact with the design, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) is partnering with Art Windsor-Essex (AWE) to support an exhibit of her work. The new exhibit opens to the public on March 24, 2023, and runs through May 2023. It will include life-size reproductions of the “On the Other Side of Tomorrow” panels and other original works. In addition to the physical exhibit, educational and community-based programming will be available to Windsor-Essex schools and special interest groups.
Additional information on the exhibition and programming is available at www.artwindsoressex.ca
QUOTES
"By building partnerships and consulting with the residents of Sandwich and all of Windsor-Essex, the Gordie Howe International Bridge project team continues to deliver economic and social benefits for our region. Today’s unveiling of the art brandishing the walls of the Canadian Port of Entry is a beautiful contribution to our community, and one that will be enjoyed by countless travelers for years to come.”
- Irek Kusmierczyk, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion and Member of Parliament for Windsor—Tecumseh, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
“This public art commission is part of a larger priority to incorporate aesthetics and other forms of cultural and historical recognition into the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. Further, WDBA is excited to partner once again with Art Windsor-Essex (AWE) following the success of the Bridge Artists exhibit in 2021 to connect the community to these project features and celebrate the results of years of community input.”
- Heather Grondin, Vice-President of Corporate Affairs and External Relations, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
“Bridging North America is proud to work with WDBA and artist Sara Graham to create this memorable and permanent Public Art commission on the façade of the maintenance building. It will provide a sense of welcome to travellers passing through the Canadian Port of Entry, showcasing positive imagery reflective of Canadian landscapes.”
- Michael Hatchell, CEO, Bridging North America
“I wanted to create a design that captures the attention of the audience who will be in a moving vehicle while highlighting the many urban and natural forms that define Canada. The title, ‘On the Other Side of Tomorrow’, plays with the notion that people will be travelling to another country and returning home. I am extremely grateful and proud to be chosen for this public art commission on a once-in-a-generation project such as the Gordie Howe International Bridge.”
- Sara Graham, Artist
“Art Windsor-Essex admires WDBA's commitment to supporting creative projects in our community. Sara Graham’s solo show at AWE will include compelling insights into her creative process. Reproductions of the building's panels in the gallery will give visitors the unique experience of seeing those pieces up close. We are so pleased to partner with WDBA on this exhibition.”
- Jennifer Matotek, Executive Director, Art Windsor-Essex (AWE)
QUICK FACTS
- Ms. Graham was chosen from a shortlist of Canadian artists to contribute to the overall project aesthetics incorporated into the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.
- Ms. Graham received feedback from the Windsor-Essex community on her design in March 2021 through a public meeting.
- The maintenance building at the Canadian Port of Entry that serves as the canvas for “On the Other Side of Tomorrow” is situated near the traffic route for vehicles accessing the Gordie Howe International Bridge to the US making the art visible to passing traffic.
RELATED PRODUCTS
- Backgrounder: Artist’s Biography
- 9 Things to Know About Art Panels at the Canadian
- Spotlight: Showcasing Canadian culture: New art unveiled for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project
- Port of Entry Photo Gallery
ABOUT WINDSOR-DETROIT BRIDGE AUTHORITY
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) is a not-for-profit Canadian Crown corporation created to deliver the Gordie Howe International Bridge project between Windsor, ON and Detroit, MI through a public- private partnership (P3). WDBA is responsible for overseeing and managing the construction and operation of the new crossing. For more information on WDBA visit www.GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com and follow the project on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GordieHoweBrg.
ABOUT BRIDGING NORTH AMERICA
Bridging North America (BNA) became the private-sector partner to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Gordie Howe International Bridge project in September 2018. BNA is comprised of some of the most recognized leaders in the construction and infrastructure industry which includes North American and international companies. BNA partners have significant experience carrying out major infrastructure projects such as the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway in Windsor, Ontario; New Champlain Bridge Corridor in Montreal, Quebec; Autoroute 30 in Montreal, Quebec; Eglinton Crosstown LRT in Toronto, Ontario; Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) in Montreal, Quebec; Automated People Mover at LAX Airport, California; Harbor Bridge, Corpus Christi, Texas; Tappan Zee Bridge in New York and San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, California.
- 30 -
Gordie Howe International Bridge
Media Relations Team
226-757-1716
